Steam Cleaners: Are They Worth It For Disinfecting And Cleaning?
Have you thought about using steam cleaners in your home? Did you wonder if they are worth it when it comes to disinfecting and cleaning your home?
Today, we will look to see how they compare and if they are worth it. And, some of my best advice for using them effectively!
Steam Cleaners – Let’s Really See If They Are Worth It!
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I jumped on the steam cleaner’s bandwagon the minute they were available to purchase.
Back then, they were still expensive, and no one really knew if they were worth it or not. It was a purchase risk for sure!
I started with a Steam Cleaning Mop and immediately said wow upon using it. As the steam rose from the unit, and hard at work cleaning my floors, I said buh-bye germs! Additionally, I loved steam cleaners so much that I started using handheld steam cleaners in my home, too.
More so, just because I love them doesn’t necessarily mean they are the perfect solution for you, either. That’s why, in this article, we will examine some of the benefits.
Is Steam Mopping A More Efficient Cleaning Method Than Using A Regular Mop?
Mopping with a conventional mop can undoubtedly keep surfaces free from grime and filth. But do they really disinfect and deep clean your floors?
This household tool is also practical, quite absorbent, inexpensive, and easy to use. Nonetheless, it requires a lot of preparation, time, and physical energy on your part.
Although this method of washing your floors is satisfying, you must work hard to eliminate spills and stains.
Plus, let’s not forget about the constant wringing, refilling, and splashing water all over ourselves and our kitchens! However, you have much better options today, like the innovative steam mop!
It will make your cleaning experience not only easier but less stressful as well. Your flooring will also dry almost instantly, and steam can kill about 99 percent of the bacteria and dust mites.
Cleaning Process Comparison
Firstly, there’s a massive difference between the two regarding the cleaning methods. Both have their own benefits. Some homeowners get satisfaction from the fresh smell of clean flooring that a regular mop brings.
Still, there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing that your steam cleaner can eliminate 99.99% of bacteria and germs in your home. Steam mops are also simple to operate. You fill the tank with water, glide the mops across your floor, and they’re spotless in minutes. Steam cleaners, on the other hand, finish the job much faster.
Additionally, you’ll be able to get rid of invisible bacteria on surfaces easily, which traditional mops cannot do.
Here’s a quick look at both cleaning processes.
First, let’s look at both processes and see which makes more sense for you!
Cleaning With A Regular Bucket And Mop Combo
- First, you must prepare water and detergent or a cleaning solution.
- After setting up the mop unit, submerge it into the water and make sure it’s very wet.
- Wring out all excess water.
- And the floor scrubbing begins.
- Once your mop gets dirty or if you’ve finished an area, you must rinse it and wring it out again.
- Depending on how dirty your surfaces are, you must repeat the above steps (except for the first one) multiple times.
- When you’re done mopping, it’s time to empty your mop bucket and rinse the mop itself.
- The last and final step is to store all your supplies and tools.
Steam Mop Cleaning Process
- Take your steam cleaner out of the storage.
- Fill its water reservoir with water and attach its cleaning pad to the mop head.
- Plug it in and wait for a few seconds or minutes for the water to boil. The waiting time will depend on your unit.
- Now it’s time to steam clean. To release steam, simply push your unit forward. Its pad will pick up particles and dirt if you push it backward.
- When floors are clean and disinfected, simply unplug your steam mop and stow it away!
Obviously, when comparing mopping to steam cleaners, there’s no debate! Steam cleaning wins, hands down!
Why Should You Choose Steam Cleaners Over Traditional Mops?
More so, whether you choose to believe it or not, mopping the traditional way will collect filth instead of just loosening it from your floors. We end up pushing it around and around and end up rinsing the mop in dirty water, too.
Using steam cleaners to sanitize and disinfect your floors is an effortless and efficient cleaning system. Steam is also far better at cleaning tough dirt and grease stains from your floors.
Moreover, in addition to being versatile, many steam machines have awesome cleaning attachments that you can use throughout your home.
Their heat does an amazing job of eliminating grime and germs that may cause the spread of viruses, something a conventional mop can’t deliver. Plus, it doesn’t require toxic chemicals to do its job.
You may not be aware of it, but Salmonella prowls on surfaces and can last long, spreading and making us sick. Fortunately, steam comes with a natural sanitizing ability, which is excellent for allergies. It can also help keep everyone in your household healthy.
Steam Cleaners Can Handle Tough Filth And Mold
Steam mops are great at removing stubborn dirt from surfaces. The water vapor they release can help loosen grime, which its mop head will absorb. Furthermore, they can take care of mold. Since they dry fast, the chances of mold growth are much less.
Some models, like those from the Shark line, also come with various cleaning settings. This means that you can customize your mop’s intensity for deep or quick cleaning. Read this Shark® Genius steam mop review by Daniel Zeichner to learn more.
Steam Cleaning Is A Healthier Alternative
Above all, every family deserves a clean and safe home. One of the things you’ll love about steam cleaners is that you don’t need to use harmful and nasty chemicals to wash your surfaces.
So, your pets and even your children can safely walk on your floor after without worrying about their health. First, most of these home gadgets are not as light as regular mops. You also need to fill their water tank, which will add to their weight.
Also, if your house has a second floor, you’ll have to work out a bit since you must carry it up and down the stairs. But these are minor setbacks compared to the many good things it offers.
Let’s face it: mops are gross. Even when you wash the mop heads, they hold on to dirt and grime.
Steam Cleaners Are Very Versatile
Steam cleaners are very versatile as well. You can use it for
both quick-dry and deep cleaning. The mop is ideal for almost all floors except carpets, including tiles, vinyl, and laminate. On the other hand, steam mops are not recommended for unsealed hardwood.
I love using my portable steam cleaner for so many chores in my home especially the kitchen and bathroom. It’s also great for removing tough built-up grease from the BBQ too!
Of course, I own a traditional mop in my home. They do have their place in my cleaning routine. Mops with a microfiber cloth are absorbent and great for quick clean-ups. They are also undoubtedly great for cleaning accidental spills.
More importantly, if money is holding you back from purchasing a steam cleaner, this mop may be your better option. They usually have more affordable pricing options that are kinder to your wallet.
Things To Consider When Deciding Which Mop Is Right For Your
Home And Needs
When deciding which household tool is suitable for you and your home, make sure to consider these things:
- The size of your floor. If you have large areas to clean, a steam mop can help make your cleaning tasks faster. And you won’t be as tired afterward as you would with a conventional mop and bucket.
- Quick results. Steam cleaners are the better option if you want quick-drying floors.
- What’s your budget? If you’re tight on budget but still want a good tool, opt for a regular mop.
Steam Cleaners Versus Traditional Mops Conclusion
Obviously, you should know that you must prepare yourself physically before using a traditional mop. Removing grime, especially stubborn filth, will take a bit more work.
Typically, we must wring out traditional mops, which obviously isn’t easy and requires lots of work. Also, you may bend incorrectly instead of standing upright when scrubbing, which can lead to chronic back pain.
Another thing worth noting is that regular mops require detergents or cleaning solutions to kill germs. These chemicals are toxic and may harm your kids and four-legged household companions.
At the end of the day, the mop you choose will still depend on your preference and budget. Traditional mops are good at wiping down particles and filth. It’s also the cheaper alternative if you’re low on money.
But if you want a device that can sanitize surfaces, offer efficient and easy cleaning, and keep your children and furry buddies safe, consider investing in a great and affordable steam mop.
Be sure to read Did You Forget To Clean These 4 Cringeworthy Dirty Areas?
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